It would seem physical contact may be required. If it is a contingent trigger, I'd like to see what sort of effect it has; indeed, I'd like to see if my manipulation of the key has had any inobvious magical effects! "Undue haste is the enemy of diligence," he clicks and hums quietly to his familiar. "The practice, of course, not the spell."
Gently setting the key back upon its pedestal, The Witness focuses for a moment and once again aligns his senses with the magical, this time with somewhat more effort. Thus enabled, he shifts his concentration to his Seeker's Mark, first trying to determine the direction to the nearest Anchor, then to The Tower. Finally, he again lifts the key with his mind, and after noting any magical effects this causes, pulls the key into his grasp if it appears safe to him to do so.
Stepping through this new portal you find yourself in an identical chamber, with the same eight evenly spaced pedestals. The objects that had occupied each, however, are gone. In their place, an orb of matter or energy hovers a foot above each. The orbs are as follows: fire, gravely earth, roots and vines, water, gusting wind, rusting iron, warm white light, and dark cloud flashing with lightning.
Stepping through this new portal you find yourself in an identical chamber, with the same eight evenly spaced pedestals. The objects that had occupied each, however, are gone. In their place, an orb of matter or energy hovers a foot above each. The orbs are as follows: fire, gravely earth, roots and vines, water, gusting wind, rusting iron, warm white light, and dark cloud flashing with lightning.
As soon as you touch the shroud, the other seven items turn to mist and dissipate. Then the shroud does as well. You are suddenly overcome with a sense of tranquility. On the wall opposite where you entered a new portal materializes...
Stepping through this new portal you find yourself in an identical chamber, with the same eight evenly spaced pedestals. The objects that had occupied each, however, are gone. In their place, an orb of matter or energy hovers a foot above each. The orbs are as follows: fire, gravely earth, roots and vines, water, gusting wind, rusting iron, warm white light, and dark cloud flashing with lightning.
As soon as the key touches your hand, the other seven items turn to mist and dissipate. Then the key does as well. You feel an undeniable sense of enduring freedom. On the wall opposite where you entered a new portal materializes...
Stepping through this new portal (now that there is nothing left to examine in the first chamber) you find yourself in an identical chamber, with the same eight evenly spaced pedestals. The objects that had occupied each, however, are gone. In their place, an orb of matter or energy hovers a foot above each. The orbs are as follows: fire, gravely earth, roots and vines, water, gusting wind, rusting iron, warm white light, and dark cloud flashing with lightning.
Gavin looks around this new chamber with intrigue.
something tells me the strangeness of this place is just getting warmed up.
Trying hard to see a pattern of figure out the puzzle, he settles on the rusting iron and tries to lift it gently.
"Hmmm" the young woman thinks. The rapier gave her the feeling of where to strike to hurt the worst... now orbs. "Protection? Or the one that speaks the most to me?" she considers and decides on what speaks the most to what she is, problem of course is her brother would be another... still... she touches the gusting wind.
The Witness reflects on the key's effect before examining his new choices.
I have been granted both progress and a boon, and now face a new decision. It's possible the key was the correct answer to a puzzle, and this new set of choices is a new puzzle to be solved; however, it's also feasible the choices presented are not puzzles at all, but rather boons granted to Seekers in preparation for their trial. If the former, my choice is vital to proceed; if the latter, progress towards my trial is assured and my choice only determines some new boon; delays however, may be detrimental. The first puzzle: Is there a puzzle?
The wizard smiles as he allows himself an instant of consternation.
Delightful!
Looking at the new options, Fenrick considers each. He takes a moment to try to send out a mental message... just in case this room is any differnt. **Hello, allies? Can you hear me?** Not getting a responce, he get back to the choice at hand.
Rusting iron or gravely earth? I think I will try the iron this time... He looks at his weapon... hoping it wont rust...Can cold iron even rust He thinks to himself as he grabs the orb.
These appear to be the four “classic” elements - fire, earth, water, air. The other four are not so obvious. Flora, possibly indicative of what some would call “nature”. Rusting iron, indicating both base elements and decay. Warm white light, possibly implying positive energy; perhaps this earthen sphere is meant to indicate decay and negative energy, while the iron is meant to indicate earth as a classical element? A storm cloud, another generic “nature” symbol, also electricity - though if one attributes energies to the four classic elements, then perhaps instead it indicates thunder and sonic energy. Further exploring the energy association, what then would the flora represent? Perhaps, rather than a true energy, it symbolizes poison or venom as a “natural” equivalent. These, then would represent the eight main forces that act upon the living flesh of most biological species native to the prime material - fire, cold, electricity, acid, sonic, positive energy, negative energy, and poison.
To my knowledge none of these have a symbolic meaning strongly related to progress in general or The Tower in specific. I believe due haste is in order. If these represent boons I might receive associated with my proposed symbolism, the white light may be the most obviously useful - an infusion of positive energy to keep one alive. However, even such an infusion will likely not defend against catastrophic physiological breach and failure, nor more esoteric afflictions such as domination or disintegration. It is, however, of almost universal utility when compared to the other seven theoretical options.
The other obvious option is the flora. Being the piece that fits most poorly into my proposed system, knowing its effects would provide the most useful information towards determining the accuracy of my theory.
Alas, utility must win out. I can only hope that further Anchors or The Tower itself provide more insight into this particular aspect of attenuation.
His decision made, The Witness extends his free hand to touch the sphere of warm, white light.
Once again you step through the portal, and once again you are alone in an identical chamber. The pedestals are still present but what they bear has once again changed. Now a statue sits atop each one. The statues are each about two feet tall, finely carved from a heavy black stone. Each depicts one of the following animals: a crocodile, an eagle, a frog, a monkey, a panther, a snake, a vulture, and a wolf.
Once again you step through the portal, and once again you are alone in an identical chamber. The pedestals are still present but what they bear has once again changed. Now a statue sits atop each one. The statues are each about two feet tall, finely carved from a heavy black stone. Each depicts one of the following animals: a crocodile, an eagle, a frog, a monkey, a panther, a snake, a vulture, and a wolf.
Once again you step through the portal, and once again you are alone in an identical chamber. The pedestals are still present but what they bear has once again changed. Now a statue sits atop each one. The statues are each about two feet tall, finely carved from a heavy black stone. Each depicts one of the following animals: a crocodile, an eagle, a frog, a monkey, a panther, a snake, a vulture, and a wolf.
Once again you step through the portal, and once again you are alone in an identical chamber. The pedestals are still present but what they bear has once again changed. Now a statue sits atop each one. The statues are each about two feet tall, finely carved from a heavy black stone. Each depicts one of the following animals: a crocodile, an eagle, a frog, a monkey, a panther, a snake, a vulture, and a wolf.
Once again Lyra considers each one and ends up choosing the one that speaks the most to who she is. The panther.
"I wander what the others will pick." she thinks.
Looking over the options, Gavin seems a little displeased.
All predators, all devourers, I shall choose the one among them with the strongest community, sense of family...but is it the monkey, or the wolf?
Seeming none too happy with the options, Gavin finally settles on the monkey, laying his hand over its heart.
And now fauna simulacra.
The Choreographer zips forth from the folds of her nest-hood to inspect the statues, flitting around each one in curiosity. The Witness provides a warning to the tiny bird in their unique language. "Careful, Choreographer - I don't know what effect these might have on one who doesn't bear the Seeker's Mark, and in your case the risks outweigh the rewards of acquiring empirical evidence."
The wizard studies the statues for but a moment. It seems my theory of choices between boons is gaining credibility. The symbolism of these animals varies widely across cultures and times; attempting to categorize the boon each might provide, without any point of reference, would ultimately be useless. A decision of personal preference, then.
"What do you think?" he clicks and hums. "Shall I choose one of your cousins?" The hummingbird scoffs at the suggestion as it returns to hover over his shoulder, eliciting a smile. "I agree, of course. No, I shall choose the crocodile. Ancient and wise, powerful and patient, it borders on the immortal. It’s also incredibly quick and lethal when it decides to act, a fact most have the opportunity to overlook but once. These are traits one shouldn't mind bringing to whatever trial may follow. Wouldn't you agree?"
The familiar gives a non-committal dip in the air and returns to her home as her wizard reaches out and touches the stone crocodile.
Another one of these? I wonder how many times we do this... if this is a test of some sort? If I am making the right choices? The wave of questioning washes over the inquisitor, quickly like it often does but is just as quickly banished down and he maintains his steely image. He approaches the animals and studies them. Hmmm no whippoorwill? I do love those little birds. Fenrick decides he needs to pick a bird. [I]Well... vultures are close to Pharasma[i]. He steps forward and touches the vulture.
With the spirit now gone, you notice that the room has changed. The two flat spots where the portals have previously appeared are gone. Around the exterior wall there are now eight, large, evenly spaced niches, each of which contains a different relief; they are: a woman working on a large clockwork mechanism; a gathering of people eating and drinking together in front of the hearth of a great hall; a crowd of people cheering for a woman holding a rapier aloft in victory; a tome on a desk in a library; a woman carrying a giant boulder on her back; a staff and a pile of scrolls; a scepter and a signet ring; and, a woman pointing an angry crowd down the road while someone hides behind her.
With the spirit now gone, you notice that the room has changed. The two flat spots where the portals have previously appeared are gone. Around the exterior wall there are now eight, large, evenly spaced niches, each of which contains a different relief; they are: a man working on a large clockwork mechanism; a gathering of people eating and drinking together in front of the hearth of a great hall; a crowd of people watching happily as a high priest’s mitre is placed on a man’s head; a tome on a desk in a library; a man carrying a giant boulder on his back; a staff and a pile of scrolls; a scepter and a signet ring; and, a man pointing an angry crowd down the road while someone hides behind him.
With the spirit now gone, you notice that the room has changed. The two flat spots where the portals have previously appeared are gone. Around the exterior wall there are now eight, large, evenly spaced niches, each of which contains a different relief; they are: a man working on a large clockwork mechanism; a gathering of people eating and drinking together in front of the hearth of a great hall; a convocation of wizards watching approvingly as an archmage’s cloak is laid on a man’s shoulders; a tome on a desk in a library; a man carrying a giant boulder on his back; a staff and a pile of scrolls; a scepter and a signet ring; and, a man pointing an angry crowd down the road while someone hides behind him.
With the spirit now gone, you notice that the room has changed. The two flat spots where the portals have previously appeared are gone. Around the exterior wall there are now eight, large, evenly spaced niches, each of which contains a different relief; they are: a man working on a large clockwork mechanism; a gathering of people eating and drinking together in front of the hearth of a great hall; a line of inquisitors saluting as a man is bestowed with the amulet of a high inquisitor; a tome on a desk in a library; a man carrying a giant boulder on his back; a staff and a pile of scrolls; a scepter and a signet ring; and, a man pointing an angry crowd down the road while someone hides behind him.
Lyra was a little surprised as the panther charged into her. "I have the feeling if the tower wanted me dead I would be so." she tells herself to make herself feel better. She looks at her fur covered bits and sharp claws in wonder. Quickly she feels on her head and bottom to make sure ears and a tail hadn't popped up. She's seen those carved out drawing in the men's restrooms of cat girls, well Seth had, which still after so many years that caused a small confusion in her head.
"Best not to think about that, Lyra Posfurore, there will be time for answers and questions eventually, just not while you are trapped alone in the mysterious unknown." s
Turning her attention to the niches. "Guessing again, maybe what your desire is? What motivated me? Seth would be the tavern scene. Too many years of a social deficit with only me as company. Me though... " she is generally torn between the woman with the rapier, Victory in her mind, and the woman sheltering another, Protecting as she sees it.
In the end, she chooses the woman rapier again. The sword is her calling, hopefully for good.
Gavin is visibly disturbed by the physical change that overtakes him, but once it stops, he settles into the new form with his typical attitude.
haha..no longer will the apples at the top of the tree back home escape me...
Looking around at the new room, he studies the scenes before him.
Few good choices last time and too many this time... He thinks, scratching his chin with his left hand, then his right hand, then his tail.
After a time, he narrows it down to two,
The man working on the mechanism speaks to my desire to create now, rather than destroy....
The crowd gathered around the hearth speaks to how highly I value fellowship and the bonds of community.....
The older man meditates for a moment, then makes his selection.
Walking up to the relief with the hearth and repast of friends, he touches the fire, and waits...
Fenrick moves to the final relief, the one of the man pointing, and touches it.
Interesting. Manufactured tools, basic elements and flora, fauna, and now symbols of - what? Pursuits? Creation, camaraderie, recognition, knowledge, challenge, power, dominion, deception.
Perhaps the first three boons might better be categorized as artifice, energy, and physicality - mind, nature, and body. Would these reliefs then represent the soul? And why include energy? Mind, body, and soul would encapsulate the main three aspects of biological life. How many of these boons are there, and why?
The wizard stares into space for several seconds as he sifts through patterns to apply to the events at hand. Finally he finds one of interest; his hand reaches up to touch the mark on his forehead.
Three pentagons bound by a circle - four geometric shapes, each inside the other. Four boons thus far - does each shape correspond to a boon? Or each shape to a trial?
If the boons directly corresponded each to a shape, then why four, and why these four? If each shape corresponds to a trial, then with four boons I'd expect a fifth - but then why five? Mind, energy, body, soul, and one other... a magical connection? Soul to the Song, Body to Primal Might, Energy to Eldritch Power, Mind to Inner Strength. Leaving Entropy - unless instead of the soul's pursuits, these are meant to depict one's fate and fortunes, and the Song yet remains.
Interesting. If true, then one would expect the first three trials to grant five boons, with the fourth granting only one. In this model, would the boons be in some fashion progressive? Assuming the first trial in the innermost pentagon, would the next trial's boons - the pentagon containing the innermost - similarly encapsulate the boons from this trial and perhaps expand or build upon them, and so too the third trial with the boons of the first and second? If so, what then of the fourth trial - a single boon encompassing all of the prior?
Only one way to gather more evidence, of course. If I must choose one goal, or pursuit, or aspect of myself, to improve upon, then of course it is knowledge - the pursuit which allows the accomplishment of all pursuits.
The Witness walks up to the sculpture of the library scene, nostalgia washing over him for a moment as he remembers his days spent living within the University's libraries, earning him the title of Stack-Dweller from his classmates. The moment passes, and he reaches out to touch the book, as if to flip the page...
As the crowd dissipates the reliefs all vanish as well, leaving behind open doorways where the niches had been. Through one door, a wide open plain stretches to the horizon. Through another, a sandy shoal meanders between two crystal blue bodies of water. Still others open to the rolling dunes of a desert, a snow-filled valley, a rocky mountain pass, a lush jungle, and a reedy marsh. A final door appears at first to be full of darkness but as your eyes adjust to the lack of light you can dimly make out a natural subterranean tunnel leading away.
As all but one of the crowd dissipates the reliefs all vanish as well, leaving behind open doorways where the niches had been. Through one door, a wide open plain stretches to the horizon. Through another, a sandy shoal meanders between two crystal blue bodies of water. Still others open to the rolling dunes of a desert, a snow-filled valley, a rocky mountain pass, a lush jungle, and a reedy marsh. A final door appears at first to be full of darkness but as your eyes adjust to the lack of light you can dimly make out a natural subterranean tunnel leading away.
As the crowd dissipates the reliefs all vanish as well, leaving behind open doorways where the niches had been. Through one door, a wide open plain stretches to the horizon. Through another, a sandy shoal meanders between two crystal blue bodies of water. Still others open to the rolling dunes of a desert, a snow-filled valley, a rocky mountain pass, a lush jungle, and a reedy marsh. A final door opens into a cave or tunnel that can only be seen with your darkvision.
As the crowd dissipates the reliefs all vanish as well, leaving behind open doorways where the niches had been. Through one door, a wide open plain stretches to the horizon. Through another, a sandy shoal meanders between two crystal blue bodies of water. Still others open to the rolling dunes of a desert, a snow-filled valley, a rocky mountain pass, a lush jungle, and a reedy marsh. A final door appears at first to be full of darkness but as your eyes adjust to the lack of light you can dimly make out a natural subterranean tunnel leading away.
"Well, hello my new friend" Gavin says with a smile "Quite the spot we seem to have found ourselves in."
More decisions....I cannot tell if they are bringing me closer to my companions, or further away.... Gavin thinks to himself.
The old man pours over the doors in front of him, looking for clues and then back to the spirit, as if he might offer an opinion.
"Nothing, eh? I thought as much."
Pulling his beard for a few moments, he comes to his conclusion. Casting light, and taking one last look at the sand and calm water, he begins a slow trek down the dark tunnel.
When you ask if he has anything to add he just shrugs.
"Too many bugs, that one too. Cold... hot... a lot of climbing... so beach or tunnel." in the end, she chooses the crystal blue bodies of water.
The Witness nods in satisfaction as his insight universally expands, and watches with interest as the image of the library fades to be replaced with eight doors to very different landscapes.
These "portals" and their destinations are simply more magical constructs. If my proposed pattern holds, these landscapes represent the Song of Creation which made our world - if not the whole prime material system itself - and a related boon. Perhaps an environmental adaptation? Plains, coast, desert, valley, mountains, jungle, swamp, and cavern. What adaptation might each imply?
Plains favor foot speed and endurance for sustained travel; coastal environments favor strong swimmers; deserts, endurance against resource deprivation and resistance to extreme temperatures. Valleys tend to harbor a wide range of species due to the natural protection they afford, but a specifically snow-filled one may favor those able to tread atop or burrow beneath the snow. Mountains favor strong climbers; jungles favor resistance to heat and humidity, climbers, and, perhaps, camouflage. Swamps favor the amphibious, and subterranea favor darkvision or highly acute other senses.
I should have little enough trouble with overland travel, or even aquatic environments, though breathing may be a concern; however, in a true emergency I can retreat into my mirror for air. I've used my fly spell, which leaves me with a single minor translocation spell - useful for a quick chase or escape, less so for a prolonged pursuit; in any event, I don't believe any of choice will result in flight. Climbing, while useful, is highly situational.
My endure elements spell should afford me adequate protection against environmental temperatures. Camouflage would be useful, but may be an inaccurate inference on my part. Heightened senses are always preferred, but obviously I have spells available to assist me in that regard. Being able to cast darkvision on an ally instead of myself would be useful should this trial prove cooperative, though all indications thus far point to a personal challenge.
The wizard turns the situation over in his head for a few moments. Perhaps I should employ a simpler approach: Which environments do I believe I'm most and least equipped to function in? Then: Do I prefer to increase my strengths or decrease my weaknesses?
First: I'm well equipped to handle most of these environments without further expenditure of resources. The challenges presented by plains, coasts, deserts, valleys, jungles, and even swamps all largely fall within my current skills and enchantments, but I believe I'm best equipped to operate upon a plain. A subterranean environment would necessitate the casting of my darkvision spell, and any creatures native to such a place would easily sense past any mundane attempts at stealth I might attempt. I believe a mountainous environment would be the more difficult however - the freedom gained by my boon will not assist me in traversing steep or vertical surfaces, I have no enduring magical options for overcoming such an obstacle, and possess neither training nor natural inclination in climbing.
Next: Do I improve upon my ability to operate in an open terrain, or in a mountainous one? The Witness glances from the wide open plain to the rocky mountain pass.
It would be a shame, I think, to be defeated by a hill. He strides into the faux mountain pass.
He then looks at his next choice. Lots of paths... and still no clues about what this is all building to. Well, we are on a mountain now so that seems like my best bet, right? Fenrick steps forward on the mountain pass and begins going up.
Taking his time soaking in the peace of his surroundings, Gavins rests, refreshing his light several times.
"Well, at least I have some company now" he smiles at his ghostly companion.
"If we're going to have a proper dialogue, you'll need a name..."
He thinks for a moment and then says "I have it! You I will call Oolong!" he laughs loud and continues,
"Let's go, Oolong! Who knows what adventure awaits at the end of an endless tunnel."
With that, the two make their way away from the now absent room of frescoes.
As they walk the tunnel, Gavin brings his new friend up to speed on a few things....
"Now the Witness is a fine young man, but a bit bookish. Pay no mind if he often seems lost in thought, that is where he is most comfortable. I'm sure he will see your presence as a splendid asset."
The old priest goes on after countless more steps,
"The twins are a delight to have along, both so full of life in their own way, and fiercely protective. If they like you, they'll like you forever!"
His eyes get sadder and his words come slower as he thinks about Fenrick.
"Our zealous friend is a bit of a different story. We have all had a rough go of things at times, but his anger and fire threaten to destroy more the he intends. I hope that we are able to help him see that peace comes from within, and affects our surroundings, not the reverse. I was convinced for weeks that my purpose here was to aid the Witness with his quest, but now I feel we may have another purpose. Just as vital..."
Gavin continues to trek down the tunnel, as his comrade merely nods and follows.
Gavin continues walking for about another thousand steps. If that produces no change, he will explore other options.
Mighty mountain under me, can you tell me if there are any people near by?
May I also inquire about any changes in the terrain, might mountain?
Lastly, I would like to ask about the animal population up here.
Fenrick will also fly up into the air with his new vulture powers to get a good look of his surroundings up here. So this is what the shop keeper felt? This is amazing!
Lyra walks, twirls, lets herself bask in the beauty. Taking a moment to enjoy "Thank you, this place is amazing. A dream..." her smile is genuine even though she doesn't know who she is addressing.
"But I guess I should try and find the others." kneeing down she'll place her hand on the sand "Hello land, what can you tell me about yourself?"
While you enjoy the sensation of soaring amongst the mountain tops, your keen eyes catch something in the distance- a glint of the afternoon sun reflecting off some kind of metal...
While the idea of a walk down the beach is a wonderful thought, Lyra thinks hurrying might be a good idea. So she bamfs with dimensional door down the path, over and over. All toward the powerful unnatural creature.
Until she thinks she's gone far enough... doing some mental math, something Seth is better at... about 800 feet it looks like every bamf... puts her a mile about six jumps... she'll look down the path to see if there is anything standing out...
Taking one jump after another until she thinks she is pretty close, then checks with the land again about where it is.
"As beautiful as you are, you do not lend well to stealth." Lyra tells the landscape. She'll bamf closer until she believes she is within the scrying range and then gets a closer look.
My connection with this place… not just comprehension, but understanding… is almost intoxicating. The wizard allows his senses to diffuse along and into the mountain, his mind spreading out to follow every angle of stone, touching from highest peak to deepest crevice, thought and knowledge blending into one until his consciousness reaches its limits and threatens dissolution.
The Witness retracts his senses from the geometry of the mountain with a mild reluctance.
”It seems there’s another humanoid about a mile from here. Prepare to travel,” he advises the Choreographer. He uses his link to the mountain to easily summon a sensor between himself and this other humanoid, as far from himself as he can, using it to gain a clear view of safe terrain for arrival by translocation. He then shifts himself along the physical axes of the local planar system to arrive at the scouted location. He repeats this process five more times, at which point if the humanoid is not yet in view he again communes with the mountain to attain a rough idea of the humanoid’s current location before attempting to scry upon it via magical sensor.
The archway is guarded by a sentinel that stops you in your tracks… it’s you, but not you as you are now- you as you might have been if you had never had those years of quiet meditation to temper you, the you of action and fire and violence. The other you does not have the dark fur or tail that you have acquired in this place, but he stands with a flaming sword at the ready looking angrily at you…
Casting your senses across the intervening distance, you see a chilling scene… the ‘something’ is a stone archway, very much like the one that brought you to this place except that through it is only more shoal. The sentinel, however, causes your blood to run cold… it’s Seth... only, not as you knew him… this is some vile ghoul- a wasting, diseased corpse of your brother animated by jealousy and rage...
On a broad, flat ledge on the other side of this mountain stands an archway assembled of finely cut white granite stones; it looks very much like the archway that brought you to this place, save that you only see the natural rock of the mountain through it. Guarding the door is the most dangerous sentinel you can imagine… you. This other you shows no signs of the crocodilian features you acquired in this place, but he is levitating, or perhaps hovering, and his eyes are aglow with the blue energy of arcane sight. He looks directly at the sensor through which you are viewing him--giving the uneasy impression that he is looking you in the eyes--and one corner of his lip curls up in something of a subtle smirk...
Gavin looks at his doppelganger with sadness in his eyes. The face of his other is twisted by decades of rage. The scars of constant war are clear to Gavin, both the physical and mental.
With unmasked pity in his voice, Gavin addresses the tormented soul,
"Your battle is not with me. Peace for you will only come from within, I can assure you. If you choose to face me, you cannot prevail. For you are in chains of your own making. Chains of hatred, chains of fury and rage. You think that you can become worthy by punishing the unworthy, but that is a lie you have told yourself. If you challenge me, you will fail, for you are imprisoned, and I am free."
Gavin moves forward to about 40' from himself and adopts a defensive posture.
But in your defensive posture, you easily avoid the slash.
Saddened by his foes determined aggression, motioning Oolong to stay back, Gavin steps back and blasts the creature with a torrent of ice and cold.
"Perhaps this will cool your fire a bit!"
DC 19 halves
You take a moment to cast your sight over to where it stands and are greeted with a most unpleasant vision. On a broad, flat ledge on the other side of the mountain stands an archway assembled of finely cut white granite stones; it looks very much like the archway that brought you to this place, excpet that you only see the natural rock of the mountain through it. Standing in front of the door is a guardian... it's you, only not you as you are now- this other you clearly fell victim to the undead you have fought so hard to destroy. His rotting flesh hangs from his bones and a foul red light glows in the empty sockets where his eyes should be...
"No" the young woman hisses, flat and angry. "That is NOT MY BROTHER!!!!!" drawing her blade she dimensional doors near the THING and shrieks in rage and stabbiness.
Being close up does nothing to diminish how much the figure appears to be the diseased corpse of your brother. It does, however, make you aware of its terrible, stomach turning stench. As you appear it turns towards you, brandishing a tarnished rapier in its decaying hand
Even with her beak nosed doctor's mask firmly in place, the scench is too much for the young woman, almost knocking her back. But this THING is mimicking her brother so no quarter.
I see. I assume this doppelgänger is as much a magical construct as everything else I’ve encountered. Its positioning could imply confrontation, if the archway’s seen as an exit and it as a guardian. Is the trial, then, to confront myself? If so, must the confrontation be physical?
First I must determine whether my double is hostile; from there I may formulate an appropriate response. I could send The Choreographer of Flowers to attempt communications; however, if it is hostile, it will likely know the value of her as a target. Too risky. The Witness quickly runs through several scores of scenarios before making a decision.
Better, I think, to be prepared for confrontation and meet with peace than the inverse.
Round 1: Cast see invisibility
Round 2: Cast mirror image -
Round 3: Cast summon monster iv - hound archon, adjacent to himself
Round 4: Cast mindlink on the hound archon; explain the planned sequence of events that follow, that his double may be their enemy, his double’s (likely) capabilities in regards to wizardry, and plan to slow double then flank with archon if it proves hostile. (Summon round 1/9)
Round 5: Cast haste on self and allies; Hound Archon casts aid on The Witness (Summon round 2/9)
Round 6: Hound Archon casts aid on self ; The Witness uses dimension door SLA to transport himself and hound archon adjacent to pseudo-Witness. (Summon round 3/9)
Round 7: The Witnesses possibly get a surprise round together. (Summon round 4/9)
Your burst of ice and cold fills the chamber and reaches almost to where you're standing, enveloping the other you. Barely noticeable amidst the flash, a shimmering aura surrounds the sentinel and protects him from some of the damage . "You didn't honestly think I'd be that foolish, did you?" he sneers. With eyes full of rage he begins chanting the incantation for a slay living spell; his hand erupts in eerie black flames and he lunges forward to touch you...
With combat now underway, Oolong moves around behind the other you, a scimitar in his hand, and slashes at the sentinel.
You thrust your blade at the creature a second time and just barely slip it into a crack in its armor. You’re certain that if it was using the shield strapped to its back, or wasn’t off balance from charging, you wouldn’t have landed your blow. Still, you did strike true and a second trickle of viscous black blood begins running down its chest.
Steeling himself against the dark magic of his other, Gavin feels the necromantic bite, but months of travel have left the old man fairly hale, and he resists the brunt of the attack.
Stepping back from his foe, Gavin calls upon His Goddess to protect him, then floats gently into the air, about 20' up.
protection from evil, acid and cold resist 10, dr 5/evil